New reference page: G6PD and vaccines
G6PD deficiency is a genetic disorder in which the body does not have enough of an enzyme, glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase. If you are G6PD deficient, prevention of infection is important. Read more about G6PD and vaccines on our G6PD reference page.
It's not too late to get the flu vaccine!
Flu is now a year-round phenomenon, according to Victorian health authorities, after a 10-fold increase in infections in 2019.
The Age: Flu now a risk year-round as horror surge triggers $200 million package
Travelling to a measles endemic country?
For infants travelling to countries experiencing extensive measles transmission, a free dose of MMR vaccine may be given as early as 6 months of age.
For further information, please refer to our updated measles reference page, which also contains a link to the Australian Academy of Science measles information.
New immunisation reference page: Cold chain
The cold chain is the system of transporting and storing vaccines within the temperature range of +2°C to +8°C from the place of manufacture to the point of administration. The optimal storage temperature for vaccines is +5°C.
The Vaccine Storage Guidelines 'Strive for 5' provides information and advice for vaccine storage management for Australian immunisation service providers.
For further information, please refer to the Cold Chain reference page.
New immunisation reference page: Tetanus prone wounds management
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani. Tetanus causes severe muscle spasms and can be fatal. The bacteria live in soil, dust and animal faeces. Tetanus can be prevented by vaccination.
For further information and immunisation recommendations please refer to MVEC’s new immunisation reference page: Tetanus prone wounds management
Zoster vaccine resources
Administration of Zostavax® (zoster vaccine) in individuals who are immunocompromised is contraindicated due to the risk of causing disseminated disease. Prior to immunisation, and in conjunction with the pre-immunisation checklist, the Zostavax® GP Decision Aid should be completed to ensure patient safety. For further information on Zostavax®, please refer to the updated links below:
MVEC: Zostavax® GP Decision Aid
MVEC: Zoster vaccine (Zostavax®) FAQs
New immunisation reference page- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is an autoimmune condition resulting in muscle weakness, altered sensation, numbness and paralysis. It is often triggered by a viral or bacterial infection however there is also variable evidence suggesting an association with influenza vaccination.
For further information and immunisation recommendations please refer to MVEC's new immunisation reference page
Influenza vaccine 2019- FAQ's
MVEC's Frequently Asked Questions for the 2019 Influenza season are now available online
To view our reference page please click on the following link:
MVEC: Influenza vaccine- Frequently asked questions
Avoiding shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) describes a complication of incorrect immunisation technique whereby a vaccine is injected too high above the deltoid muscle. Implications of SIRVA include persisting pain and limited range of movement, uncertain seroprotection due to the incorrect site of administration, as well costly outcomes for the patient due to diagnostic imaging and interventions.. For tips on avoiding SIRVA please refer to the following resources:
MVEC: Shoulder injury related to vaccine administration
MVEC: Administration of injected vaccines- correct technique
Australian Immunisation Handbook: avoiding shoulder injury related to vaccine administration